Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Gift of Joy 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Joy and rejoicing are the imperative of Paul the apostle in his writing to the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always.” Is it possible to rejoice always? In my life experience I have encountered people who are quick with a smile and seem to have joy all the time. The Rev. Elder, the founder of my church in Argentina, called these people "teapot faces" as opposed to the "coffeepot faces" who never smile. Trying to fix the world with a smile, however, may be an oversimplification. Life is not that simple. We could say, using biblical language, that we often “go through trials and tribulations.” Paul himself had his own share of suffering. He said writing to the Corinthians:

“… With far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death… through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked.” Yet he could claim,”I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” “Whenever I’m weak , then I’m strong.”

The presence of Jesus in our lives is what makes us strong when we are weak, and the current situation in our country has put many on a weak situation:

a. We are in the middle of an economic meltdown
b. People are losing their homes
c. Many are losing their jobs, over 500,000 in November, near the same figure in December.
d. We are fighting two wars
e. Big corporations are failing

Biblical History and both the prophecies of the OT and the Mystery of the Incarnation tell us that God can make a way and will continue to make a way when things look grim. Jesus Christ is our hope and our joy and the Advent season is reminder of the coming of Emmanuel, and the joy that God can give us under all circumstances.

Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians at a time when they were undergoing persecution and they were expecting, according to them, the imminent return of Jesus. In the context of that expectation, in spite of the suffering, Paul said:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

As difficult as it seems, the potential of rejoicing in all circumstances is the will of God. God makes it possible in Christ Jesus! Yet, I believe, God will not twist our arm; nor punish us; nor disinherit us; nor send us home empty-handed if we do not experience joy. But God makes it possible. Therefore, In this season of Advent, as we celebrate the miracle of the Incarnation, and the birth of Emmanuel, let me share three teachings of Paul that accompany the imperative of rejoicing, teachings that I believe make rejoicing possible.

I. REJOICING IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

"Praying without ceasing" it is not just a pious activity people do that requires a lot of time and energy. It is a relationship; a permanent relationship with the living God whereby we engage the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who makes us his children, and far from being detached, becomes fully available to walk with us. In this unceasing relationship we can stand in silence in the midst of suffering to listen to God's silence that nevertheless speaks to us; and we can bow before him in awe overwhelmed by his presence that makes joy possible even in the most difficult circumstances. This encounter with God is personal and at the same time it takes place in the experience of the Christian community--the church.


I. REJOICING IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE ARE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING


I often hear people say that we learn from our suffering, difficulties, and losses and that for that reason we should be thankful for all things. Again, this is very difficult to swallow when things don't look good. At the same time, by faith, we believe that God makes it possible. We can learn, we can overcome, and even rejoice. When our wounds are healed, even if we have scars, in the end, we will be thankful when we realize that God is always with us. The name Emmanuel is a promise: God is with us, and when we experience that we become thankful and joyful.

I. REJOICING IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE LET GOD’S SPIRIT FLOW

Paul told the Thessalonians: "Do not quench the Spirit." We do no need to do much work to let the Spirit flow; it is God's gift, it was given to us, it is free, it is available and we do not have to "travail" to fire it up. It brings love, peace, and... joy, of course. If in any way we feel that we have the ability to love, or have a sense of peace, or we can't contain our joy, for whatever reasons, it is the Holy Spirit of God. On the other hand, we do need to work to quench it. It takes work to think about something, ponder whether it is right to do it or not, then fight the voice of our conscience, and finally do that thing we know we are not supposed to do. It is better to do less, and to sit silently to allow God to speak to us. In that silence we will find joy.


To ask someone to rejoice in the midst of suffering, through difficult circumstances, or in times of trouble may sound quite foolish. Life is difficult, painful at times and very hard for many. Yet in Christ, and in spite of everything, life is beautiful and is everlasting. And the Advent of Emmanuel, the birth of Jesus, has brought the hope of a better future of peace and Justice of which we have only signs or glimpses now. Along with this promise God is giving us the gift of joy.

Rev. Dr. Horacio R. Da Valle